Exploring Antwerp

Although Antwerp, Belgium, may not come to mind first when considering a European trip, that is precisely why it is worth seeing. Located along the River Scheldt, this town is stylish yet somewhat chaotic, with a touch of history dusted on like powdered sugar on a waffle. One minute you might marvel at centuries-old structures, then wonder why someone would think it was a good idea to place a huge modern art installation right in the middle of a square.

Begin your investigation at the Cathedral of Our Lady. Churches probably delight you if you enjoy them. If you don't, you'll still be impressed because it has paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, and honestly, even the most hardened non-art-lover can appreciate a bit of Baroque grandeur. Just make an effort not to spend too much time gazing at the ceiling. It's easy to forget the foundation is here.

Walk the ancient town after you have taken in adequate holy beauty. Narrow lanes, gabled homes, and cobblestones let one readily believe you have gone back in time. You might even picture yourself on a little fancier version of your neighbourhood's main street. Whichever way, it's lovely. If you're lucky, you could also come across one of Antwerp's unusual museums. The Museum of Contemporary Art will either persuade you that you are secretly a modern genius or challenge your whole idea of what art is.

Just going to Antwerp to shop is an experience in itself. The city is known for diamonds; indeed, you can enter magnificent stores and play-act being a secret millionaire, checking a set of unusual jewels. Alternatively, you can be like me and appreciate them from the outside while inwardly criticising their cost. Since Antwerp is also a fashion centre, this is the place for you if you've ever wondered what it's like to wear something so modern it serves as a conversation starter.

Regarding cuisine, Antwerp lives up to expectations. Belgian food combines comfort and luxury in just the right way. Waffles are clear, fries are bigger than you would think, and chocolate stores lure you at every opportunity. Stop for some stoofvlees, a delicious beef stew that will quickly make you forgive every bad life choice you've ever made. Under no circumstances should you miss the regional brew. It is essentially required of every citizen.

The fact that Antwerp tries so little is among its finest features. It's proud of its past, it's eccentric, and it's fashionable in a way that doesn't shout for Instagram approval. You can laugh at the odd contrasts, such as a medieval plaza next to a '70s concrete monster, get somewhat lost in its alleys, and take pleasure in it at your own speed.

Antwerp is simply lovely, somewhat strange, and very inviting. You might arrive anticipating only a stopover destination and depart feeling like you have discovered a spot you would not mind acting to be sophisticated in for one or two weeks. Your stomach will undoubtedly thank you either way, and your Instagram feed will look great.